Summer Promos I planned a huge event at the Mission Viejo 4th of July Street Fair that attracts between 10,000 and 20,000 people. I bought a 10 X 10 spot and set up my books and a big promo for my monthly newsletter.

Lesson Learned I have to understand holiday weekends are not a good time for a book promotion. The real winners for this event were vendors selling Beer and Nachos.

Pretty much all the attendees didn’t buy anything and that’s across the board. I observed thousands of people leaving the event empty handed. Rare was the sight of a person carrying something they bought from a vendor other than food and drink.

I had a good but not great turnout. Average at best is more like it. I sold books and had a decent enlistment for my monthly newsletter and a lot of looky-loos. And the usual conspiracy theorists who never blink and hang out far too long for my comfort level that I seem to attract like a magnet. But that’s all. I just didn't see the return for my effort as I spent a lot of time preparing for this event.

Beer.

Nachos.

Sunburns.

That's the order of the day for Memorial Day, Labor Day and Fourth of July. No more events for me during these holidays although I will do events during the Christmas season. I can do much better setting up shop at the beach with far less work and financial investment hawking my goods at locals and tourists walking by.

Question What are your success and not-so-successful promo events? I’d like to hear them.